1. Homework:
I-3 due tomorrow.
Current Events #4 due Tuesday.

2. Aim #3: What are the major beliefs of Islam?
February 3, 2016

3. I. Major Beliefs of Islam
Sources of Authority
Qur’an / Koran: Holy book of the Muslims. Teachings of Allah, as revealed to Muhammad. Muslims often read and pray from the Qur’an in mosques.
Sunna: Muhammad’s example. A model for living a proper life.
Shari’a: The body of Islamic law. Provides rules for how to conduct family life, run a fair business, etc.

4. II. Major Beliefs of Islam
B. The Five Pillars – Five duties that all Muslims must carry out to show their obedience to God. See handout!

5. First Pillar: Declaration of Faith in Allah
Why is this the first pillar? Why are children taught to memorize this at an early age?

6. Second Pillar: Prayer towards Mecca five times a day
Why is Mecca the city Muslims have to face when they pray?

7. Third Pillar: Almsgiving
Should charity be considered a requirement for living a moral life? Why or why not?

8. Fourth Pillar: Fasting during the month of Ramadan
What is the purpose of these kinds of rituals? Is fasting still a worthwhile ritual in the 21st century? Is there anything people can still learn by doing it?

9. Fifth Pillar: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca).
Think of a trip that you have taken in your life or would like to take that you would consider to be a pilgrimage. This trip could be connected to your religion, or it could be to a location that you personally consider to be sacred (for example, the Lincoln Memorial, the Grand Canyon). Why did you choose this particular pilgrimage, and how would this experience by similar and different to the hajj?